Detailed Travel Plan

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL

Upon arrival Noi Bai International airport, when you leave the arrival terminal, you will be welcomed by Lambda Vacations guide and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle

The capital Hanoi, located in Vietnam’s north, is the second most populous city in the country with approximately 11 million people. Compared to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is more traditional and refined. Today it is best known for its thriving contemporary arts scene and French architecture, visible by the many colonial villas scattered throughout the city. While it is rapidly developing, the city has retained many of its cultural traditions.

No meals included

Overnight in your selected hotel.

DAY 2: HANOI - A CHARMING CITY WITH 36 OLD STREETS

Explore the charming city of Hanoi, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Visit the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument of marble and granite built to house the preserved body of beloved revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, affectionately known to the Vietnamese as “Uncle Ho”. Visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a Buddhist temple built in 1049 of wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and set on a single stone pillar. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century.

In the afternoon, visit the fascinating Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) which houses an extensive collection of traditional costumes and artefacts from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Drive back to central Hanoi for a cyclo tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Conclude your day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta where villagers entertained themselves by manipulating puppets over the water.

Breakfast at your hotel

Overnight in your selected hotel.

DAY 3: HANOI – HALONG BAY – STUNNING CRUISE ON THE BAY

Depart for a 3.5 hour journey to Halong Bay stopping for a break at Dai Viet Center – the best place to stop and stretch your legs en route. On arrival in Halong Bay, board your deluxe junk, settle into your cabin and prepare your appetite for an enjoyable lunch on deck. In mid-afternoon visit the mysterious Tien Ong Cave – a wide cave but short entrance which is said to resemble the shape of frog’s mouth. In 2007 a team of Vietnamese archeologist conducted extensive research which led to the discovery of human bones and artifacts dating to 10,000 – 8,000BC, and then continue to Cua Van area. It was once the fishing village, however most of them have moved on land for their children’s future due to the lack of education system and access to vital information. Head back to the boat, participate in a cooking demonstration with the chef or enjoy sunset on the top deck before dinner.

Breakfast at your hotel, Lunch and Dinner on board

Overnight on cruise.

DAY 4: HANOI – HUE BY FLIGHT

Rise early and greet the day with another refreshing Tai Chi demonstration on the upper deck. Then it is time for an early morning swim – in the Bay. By tender boat we bring the guests to a natural white sandy stretch. Sporty ones can also climb up to a hill top to have a last view from above over Halong Bay before we return to the boat and cruise slowly back to Halong City. During our trundle breakfast is served before we arrive at the jetty in late morning. Disembark at Heritage Line Lounge in Tuan Chau New Marina.

After Halong cruise, you will take the flight to Hue.

While imperial rule ended more than six decades ago, the central city of Hue still bears the marks of its royal past. From 1802 to 1945 Hue was home to 13 Nguyen emperors, whose palaces and tombs provide fascinating glimpses into the luxurious and secretive world of the court.

Breakfast on board

Overnight in your selected hotel.

DAY 5: HUE – SOUL OF THE FORMER ROYAL LAND

Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue’s splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Visit the Imperial Citadel at the centre of the Complex of Hue Monuments inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Despite being heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections intact and others which are being carefully restored. Drive to the Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Built in 1601, the seven-storied tower pagoda, perched on top of on a hill overlooking the Perfume River. In the afternoon, visit the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb. Its architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. Continue to the Tu Duc RoyalTomb, the most impressive of all the royal mausoleums, built by Emperor Tu Duc between 1864 and 1867. Transfer back to your hotel with an optional stop en route at an incense stick making house.

Breakfast at your hotel

Overnight in your selected hotel.

DAY 6: HUE – PARADISE CAVE OF GLIMMERING STALACTITES

Early morning departure from Hue for Quang Binh Province with a stop at the Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge situated in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The 5km (3mi) strip of land on either side of the Ben Hai River was established after the first Indochina War and functioned as the division line between North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Enjoy a boxed lunch en route to the impressive Paradise Cave. Discovered in 2005, the 31km (19mi) long cave is the largest and considered by many to be the most beautiful cave in the Phong Nha – Ke Bang area. Surrounded by forested karst peaks, this remarkable cave system features cathedral-like spaces with colossal stalagmites and glimmering stalactites which led early explorers to name it “Thien Duong” (Paradise) Cave. Return to Hue in the early evening.

Breakfast at your hotel & Lunch in Quang Binh

Overnight in your selected hotel.

DAY 7: HUE - HOI AN – AN ANCIENT TOWN ALONG THE RIVER

Take a walking tour around Hoi An ancient town. This World Heritage has plenty to visit including the old merchant’s houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with outstanding wood carvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk.

Breakfast at your hotel

Overnight in your selected hotel.

DAY 8: HOI AN – FARMING LIFE ON RICE FIELD WITH BUFFALO CART

Discover Hoi An’s countryside with a leisurely buffalo cart ride passing by rice paddies and vegetable farms to the village of Cam Thanh where the Thu Bon River meets the sea with its scenic ocean views. Your guide will explain the methods of farming in the area and the produce grown before getting your hands dirty and venturing into the rice fields. Change into work clothes provided by the villagers and join the friendly farmers in some of their agricultural work including ploughing, raking and watering the soil and transplanting rice. Enjoy a cup of tea with the farmers before returning to your hotel.

Formerly known as “Saigon” prior to 1975, today the city is Vietnam’s commercial center. The city’s dynamic energy is apparent in the bustling street scenes with thousands of people on motorbikes constantly on the move. Although Saigon has rapidly developed into a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping centers, there are still remnants of its past visible in the historic landmarks and beautiful French colonial buildings dotted throughout the city.

Meet up with your guide at your hotel in the early evening, after briefing about safety rules, hop on the vintage vespa and hit the road. Ride through some busy streets and landmarks to capture the lively pictures of Saigon after dawn.

Option 1: Cocktails tasting: Thread into a quiet alley to a hidden cocktail bar which dedicated to typical home-brewed gins with nearly 30 flavours to sip a glass of a signature cocktail.

Option 2: Beer tasting: Head to a small opened air local beer located on a quiet street to try 4 different types of beer from different regions of Vietnam.

Then continue to wander off downtown, ride through a bustling old apartment complex housing over 2,000 residents and hundreds of food stalls, to see how the local live. Finally stop at a boutique cocktail bar and kitchen hidden in a small alley run by a creative bartender and a passionate chef who have worked together to prepare a special menu with courses can be paired in flavour with some uniquely mixed cocktails (or craft beer). Have a chat with the bartender for further understanding how the drinks are paired with food, while enjoying your dinner and cocktails (or craft beer). After meal, relax and get on vespa (or take a walk) back to your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel and dinner pairing with cocktails/craft beer

Overnight in your selected hotel.

DAY 10: SAIGON – THE AMBIENCE OF MODERN AND VINTAGE

Despite its modernity, Saigon maintains a strong link to the past and our walking tour takes in some of the city’s most historic landmarks. Transfer to Dong Khoi Street downtown to visit some of the beautiful French colonial-era buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the SaigonOpera House and the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. Continue to the War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. (Please note that ssaiome of the displays are very graphic.).

We then drive to Chinatown to visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese community in the early 19th century to honour the Goddess of the Sea. Take time to make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils according to local custom.

The darker the night gets, the more vivid Saigon becomes! Get ready for a fascinating ride by vintage vespa tonight to discover the busy Saigon after dark, together with beautiful street foods tasting in the most authentic local restaurants. Make your first stop at a small yet popular Vietnamese bread stall, line up to get fresh bread roll before heading to a local coffee shop for briefing. Keep on riding to a hidden boutique seafood restaurant to taste the freshest local seafood courses. Then continue to zig zag through the hustle bustle streets, wander around an old apartment complex which becomes extremely lively at night with hundreds of food and drinks stalls. Take a break at a 50-year-old desserts shop to try different hand-made sweet soups. End up your night at a cozy bar room tucked away in a quiet alley to taste some local beer or cocktail and have a chat with people here. Take a walk or catch a taxi to get back to your hotel

Breakfast at your hotel

Overnight in your selected hotel.

DAY 11: SAIGON - DEPARTURE

Free time to explore the city or enjoy shopping on your own before you take the departure flight home

Breakfast at your hotel

End of services.

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions:

Accommodation as specified in the itinerary, including daily breakfast, tax and service charge